The teachers' union, principals and parents say changes to the suspension and expulsion policy in NSW public schools were developed without proper consultation.
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The Department of Education has proposed that pupils not be suspended for more than 10 days and no longer than five days for students from kindergarten to year two.
A joint statement opposing the changes was issued on Monday by the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations, the NSW Secondary Principals' Council, the NSW Primary Principals' Association and the NSW Teachers Federation.
Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos said the department developed its Student Behaviour Strategy without prior consultation with the federation and well before public consultation began in August.
"The policy rewrite intends to shift departmental responsibility to schools without the necessary additional support, funding and staffing," Mr Gavrielatos said.
Schools needed early intervention programs, additional qualified specialist teachers, more school counsellors and support for parents and carers, he said.
"The Department of Education's refusal to provide the necessary funding, staffing and infrastructure to manage student behaviour well before suspension, remains a significant barrier to meeting the social, learning, health and behaviour needs of our most vulnerable students."
Mr Gavrielatos said the so-called public consultation was no more than cover for an already pre-determined outcome.
The changes to the suspension and expulsion policy would have a negative impact on the workload of teachers and principals and the safety of staff and students alike, he said.
"At a time when schools are under immense pressure from the COVID-19 pandemic and dealing with increasing mental health issues amongst their students, the least the department could have done prior to rewriting the policy was to seek the views of the profession."
Australian Associated Press
